Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2461 - Autism Spectrum Disorders - Where Are We Now? |
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| Contribution code | PS03-23 (P) |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Introduction/Objectives: Edmund Burke, an Irish statesman once said “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it”. With this in mind, we set ourselves to perform an exhaustive radiography of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Romania where we approached various perspectives of the diagnosis and treatment. We had two main objectives, one was to determine whether or not we are reproducing a story that has already taken place in the United States, and the second was to express the current needs and societal particularities of the families confronting autism. Methods: We conducted an observational study on 102 patients selected through a convenience based sampling process from the existing files in our clinic. Aside from the database we also made a review of the existing Romanian literature written either by parents of children with autism or by various specialists in the field. On the basis of the observed findings we contacted and interviewed multiple professionals and representatives of the parental community. The interviews tackled subjects as: the course to diagnosis, treatment options including alternative solutions, governmental financial assistance, non-governmental institutions/associations providing services, personal believes about the subject, essential needs and impact on the family. Results/Conclusions: Children presenting to our clinic were of age 2 to 18, of which 18.84% attended a form of special education, 17.71% originating from divorced families. The great majority of patients took neurotrophic treatment while only a few benefited from ABA or speech therapy. Services for children after 10 years of age are extremely limited or absent, the monthly financial aid covers only a minor part of the needs. Up until November 2015 when a screening for ASD was introduced, the course of diagnosis was delayed. Anti-vaccination ideas and homeopathic treatment still play a considerable role in parent’s decisional process. Support organizations for parents are exceptional, difficult to access. |